Now let me make it clear that I believe there can only be one defense policy for the United States and that is summed up in the word 'first.' I do not mean first, but. I do not mean first, when. I do not mean first, if. I mean first - period.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the defense of the United States without conditions or hesitations.
John F. Kennedy's quote stresses that the defense policy of the United States should be unequivocal and prioritized above all else. He argues that there should be no conditions or circumstances that alter this commitment, implying that national security must be viewed as an absolute necessity rather than a choice influenced by timing or circumstances.
In practice
In a speech about national security, one could quote Kennedy to reinforce the idea of unwavering defense.
The great battleground for the defense and expansion of freedom today is the whole southern half of the globe... the lands of the rising peoples. Their revolution is the greatest in human history. They seek an end to injustice, tyranny and exploitation. More than an end, they seek a beginning.
I had always enjoyed the title of Commander-in-Chief until I was informed ... that the only forces that cannot be transferred from Washington without my express permission are the members of the Marine Corps Band. Those are the only forces I have. I want it announced that we propose to hold the White House against all odds at least for some time to come.
I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.
I just received the following wire from my generous Daddy; Dear Jack, Don't buy a single vote more than is necessary. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay for a landslide.
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
I don't believe in team motivation. I believe in getting a team prepared so it knows it will have the necessary confidence when it steps on a field and be prepared to play a good game.
The Army will take its lessons learned. They're excellent at looking into themselves and reflecting on what did we do right, what did we do wrong.
By deciding to live our lives based on solid values and unwavering truth, we can leave a legacy for the young men and boys who want nothing more than to follow in our footsteps.
Great leaders don't succeed because they are great. They succeed because they bring out the greatness in others.
If you see players who hate practice, their coach isn't doing a very good job.
A leader leads from in front, by the power of example. A ruler pushes from behind, by means of the club, the whip, the power of fear.
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